Traveling with kids might mean that you need to put a little more effort into the planning process to keep them happy and engaged. However, travel is an incredibly enriching experience for children (and adults) so take note of their needs, and try to find the balance between activities, exploring, and rest time. Greece is a favorite destination for people of all ages as it encompasses history, beauty, culture, hospitality, the sea and so much more. Long story short, there is something for everyone, so you can never really go wrong with a trip to Greece. Below you will find some unique and creative ideas that appeal to kids, making your visit a truly unforgettable one.
A sure way to awaken a child’s imagination is going on a Mythology Tour of Athens. Just visiting an archaeological site or museum can be quite daunting for a kid, however, introducing these places hand in hand with myths and legends will make it fun while at the same time keeping kids engaged. They will learn all about the roots of Greek mythology by visiting Athens’ most well-known sites. Together with an expert licensed guide, the Athens Mythology Tour will bring you to sites like the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora and will depict fascinating stories connected to these places, managing to create a picture right before the child’s eyes.
It sometimes can be challenging to have your child try out new flavors, but making it an interactive activity can boost their motivation in stepping outside their comfort zone. A cooking class on the serene island of Naxos can absolutely do the trick! Through this hands-on cooking experience, you and your family will create authentic Greek recipes and will learn all about the infamous Greek hospitality. Dive into one of the world’s healthiest diets rich with seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, meat and a wide variety of yummy cheeses. Dairy lovers won’t be disappointed as Naxos produces some of the most popular cheeses in the country including Graviera and Myzithra. We Greeks show our love through food, and we assure you that there will be plenty of love to go around with this activity.
Farms can be a rather magical place in the eyes of a child, and with Greece’s vast agricultural heritage there can be plenty of options to choose from. As most children might not know where food comes from, a visit to a farm will educate them in a proactive way about the origins of what they eat. Your family might be invited to join in and plant vegetables, herd animals, visit the chicken coop or harvest olives. Choose a farm near Kalamata where you’ll taste the famous Kalamata olives and olive oil; they can organize a tour for you or a cooking workshop with classic Greek recipes. Children will be free to ask their questions, play and roam around a safe environment. A farm visit is a fantastic way to incorporate education, playtime and, very importantly, good food.
Swimming in Greece is a given during the summer, but what if we told you that you can swim in 3 different bodies of water in just one day! Start off the day by swimming under a waterfall that springs from the river Styx, where myth has it is where Achillles was baptized rendering him invincible (except for his heel of course). Later head to lake Tsivlou where you will be surrounded by greenery and nature, more specifically pine trees that fill the air with a wonderful woodsy fragrance. Take some time to relax, have a picnic and bask in the sun or alternatively hire a row boat and observe the bountiful marine life from above. Surely the day would not be complete without a dip in the sea, so your last stop will be at a typical gorgeous Greek pebbly beach, right next to a pine forest.
About 1 hour from Athens, the archaeological site of Nemea includes the Temple of Zeus and is connected to one of the most famous historical characters -especially for kids-, Hercules. Just by mentioning the name, it is highly likely that you have already won your kid over. Your guide will make history come to life as they narrate the story of how Hercules beat the scary lion that was terrorizing the inhabitants of Nemea. But that’s not all; you will also have the chance to set foot on the ancient stadium which, even though was built in 330BC, still hosts games and sporting events to this day. This is a pleasant day trip from the capital for the whole family, and can add just the right amount of adventure for the younger crowd.
Both an educational and enjoyable activity for toddlers and teens is venturing out on a guided treasure hunt in Athens. The words ‘treasure hunt’ can stir up excitement and anticipation in not just children, but just about anyone with a vivid imagination. Let your child lead the way and discover Athens’ landmarks, hidden gems, and local delicacies in the most stimulating way possible. Test your family’s creativity, intuition and teamwork by embarking on a trail of cryptographic clues through the archaeological sites and monuments of Athens. Successfully solve the mystery and let Athena, the goddess of war, wisdom, and crafts reward you!
Being in Greece, adventure can ultimately be found everywhere, even underwater! Visit the city of Epidaurus, located in the Peloponnese and known for housing one of the oldest amphitheaters in the world, where you will have the opportunity to swim above an ancient city. It’s definitely recommended to grab your sea goggles, as the waters are so clear you’ll be able to spot the paved streets, some household items, and the remains of a villa at the depth of less than 2 meters. No doubt your child will feel like an archaeologist discovering a lost city while at the same time getting in their much-wanted swim time.
Vacations at the beach work well with children of all ages and are definitely a staple within Greek families. You can create some great memories building sandcastles and splashing in the waves, all while the kids have a phenomenal time. However, on the island of Paros you can make it considerably more memorable by participating in some of the countless watersports available on the beaches. Try kite surfing, windsurfing and sailing which are extremely popular activities in Paros as the weather conditions are just right. If you prefer something a little more relaxed you can maybe try canoeing or just snorkeling your day away in the Aegean Sea. Your whole family can also all get on one of those big inflatables that get pulled on the water – just remember to hold on tight!
Young minds regularly yearn for creative stimulation, so finding a way to do this while on vacation in Greece should sound like the perfect touch. Especially if you have an aspiring artist in the family, nothing will intrigue them more than having them paint the Parthenon on location. Your day would go a little like this; on Pnyx Hill, adjacent to the Acropolis, a professional painter would equip you with a canvas and show you some drawing and painting techniques that will come in handy in the process. After a little more information about the color combinations and creating perspective, you’ll be free to bring your own version of the Parthenon to life. Take part in this truly unique activity you can easily incorporate while in Athens for some quality family time.
The lost Atlantis is a widely recognized legend, people either know about it through Plato’s works or have seen it interpreted in a movie, however, what you might not know is that many theories believe it to be in Santorini. Santorini, as we know it today, is what remains of a bigger island, destroyed by a volcanic eruption over 3000 years ago. There is an archaeological site in Santorini which is absolutely fascinating as it exposes a very intelligent and advanced civilization, but if you want to make it just a little more fun and interactive for the whole family, visit the Lost Atlantis Experience museum. It is the first museum in the world that explores the myths surrounding Atlantis and here you will have the opportunity to learn about these through many digital installations. The museum goes as far as to recreate the experience of the volcanic eruption with a 9D experience! 3D glasses are included.
If you’re still not convinced that Greece’s isn’t magical enough for the kids, I should tell you that we have medieval castles as well! Located in the Peloponnese, Monemvasia is a must-see if you really want to let your child’s imagination run wild. This enchanting fortress town is not visible from the mainland, as it is built on the other side of a large rock formation, and connected only by a narrow bridge. Stepping through the main gate, you will immediately feel transported back in time. Walk between houses and churches dating back to the 12th century, ancient ruins, and of course no lack of authentic Greek tavernas with their families ready to welcome you in. Put your walking shoes on and reach the top of the town for a close look at the castle, and a stunning 360 view of the Mediterranean Sea. With only a handful of permanent residents, Monemvasia is rarely flooded with tourists, allowing you and the family to wander freely around the car-less streets.
If you are looking for a Greece family itinerary to combine fun, education and relaxation, have a look at our sample trips for ideas on how to enjoy the Greek islands on a Family trip or to embark on a Family Road trip in the Peloponnese and Mainland Greece.
Talk with our experts to find out more or to request your tailor-made itinerary.